Catholic Social Teaching (CST) at St Edmund’s
At St Edmund’s, Catholic Social Teaching shapes everything we do — how we treat one another, care for God’s creation, and serve our community. CST gives our children a living way to follow Jesus’ commandment:
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
What is CST?
Catholic Social Teaching is the Church’s guide for how we live out the Gospel in everyday life.
It teaches children how to:
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recognise the dignity of every person
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act with compassion and justice
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protect creation
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serve their community
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stand up for what is right
CST is woven through assemblies, worship, RE lessons, projects, and pupil leadership roles.
The CST Principles We Teach
Our children explore these key principles throughout the year:
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Human Dignity
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Care for Creation
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The Common Good
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Solidarity
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The Dignity of Work
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Option for the Poor
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Community & Participation
Each classroom displays its CST focus clearly, with children’s responses and links to current actions.
CST Annual Overview – “Rooted in Love”
Our CST long-term plan ensures each term focuses on a new principle, supported through:
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assemblies and worship
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class learning
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artwork and drama
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charity and fundraising
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environmental action
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PSHE and RHE themes
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links to class saints
This ensures CST is lived, not just learned.
Pupil Leadership at St Edmund’s
At St Edmund’s, we believe every child is made in the image and likeness of God and has the potential to lead, serve and make a difference.
Our pupil leadership structure gives children meaningful responsibility, a strong voice, and opportunities to live out Catholic Social Teaching in action.
Leadership at our school is not a title — it is discipleship.
It is service, love, courage and responsibility lived out every day.
Head Boy & Head Girl – Faithful Role Models
Our Head Boy and Head Girl embody the mission “Through Christ, We Learn” and serve as role models for the entire school community.
They:
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lead whole-school assemblies and key events
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represent the school to visitors and at parish occasions
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support younger pupils and model our SPIRIT values
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contribute to Catholic Life, charity campaigns and school improvement
Their leadership sets the tone of faith, service and excellence across the school.
School Council – Voices that Shape Our Community
Our School Council ensures that every child has a voice.
Representatives from each class:
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meet regularly to share ideas
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collaborate on ways to improve school life
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support whole-school projects and celebrations
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link class suggestions with Catholic Social Teaching principles
The School Council teaches pupils that participation, democracy and responsibility are essential to the Common Good.
Peace & Justice Leaders
Champions of fairness, compassion and Gospel action.
They:
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help plan and lead Monday Celebrations of the Word
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organise charity initiatives and CST action projects
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raise awareness of justice, equality, inclusion and global need
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represent the school during special events and feast days
They show the whole school that faith must be lived through action.
Eco Team (Laudato Si') – Guardians of Creation
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home, the Eco Team:
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lead recycling and energy-saving initiatives
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care for gardens and shared outdoor spaces
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run assemblies for Earth Day and climate awareness
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help embed stewardship across the curriculum
They help our whole school see creation as a gift we must protect.
Caritas Ambassadors – Leaders of Love in Action
Our Caritas Ambassadors guide us in understanding the Gospel call to charity.
They:
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organise fundraising for local, national and global causes
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lead social action themed around CST principles
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support food bank collections and community outreach
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inspire their peers to be Christ’s hands in the world
Their work helps pupils understand that service is a core part of discipleship.
Inclusion Leaders – Champions of Kindness and Equality
These leaders ensure every child feels welcome, accepted and valued.
They:
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lead Anti-Bullying Week
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support new pupils and vulnerable peers
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promote kindness, friendship and respect
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celebrate our rich cultural diversity
They help us live out Human Dignity every day.
Digital Leaders – Safe & Responsible Digital Citizens
Our Digital Leaders guide the school in using technology for good.
They:
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lead online safety initiatives
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support teachers and pupils in lessons
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help run Online Safety Week
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promote respectful and responsible digital behaviour
They help pupils navigate the digital world with wisdom and integrity.
Sports & Play Leaders – Building Community Through Play
These leaders ensure our playground is joyful and inclusive.
They:
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model positive teamwork and fair play
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support younger children in games
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introduce new activities at breaktimes
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promote participation, kindness and respect
They help build a playground where every child feels they belong.
Pupil Leadership in Action
Across all teams, you will see:
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pupils speaking confidently in worship
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CST sticky-note reflections outside classrooms
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pupil-led charity and inclusion events
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beautiful floor books documenting action across the year
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outdoor learning rooted in stewardship
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cross-curricular projects expressing faith through art, drama & writing
Our pupils are empowered to be leaders of today, not just the leaders of tomorrow.
Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity
At St Edmund’s, racial justice is a living expression of our Catholic mission, rooted in the dignity of every child and the belief that all are created in the image of God. Our approach is proactive, curriculum-embedded, and pupil-led, ensuring that every member of our community feels seen, valued, and respected.
Whole-School Anti-Racism Education
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Show Racism the Red Card Week (October):
Whole-school assemblies, class-based workshops, creative work, and reflection activities focusing on fairness, equality, and challenging discrimination. Pupils learn how to be upstanders and recognise unjust behaviour. -
Black History Day/Week (24th October 2025):
Cross-curricular learning celebrating Black excellence, culture, historical figures, and contributions to society. The focus goes beyond a single week, reinforcing ongoing learning about representation, identity, and diversity.
Curriculum & Assembly Integration
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Regular assemblies addressing anti-racism, diversity, and respect (e.g., “All Are Welcome – Standing Up for What’s Right”).
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Classroom activities examining key figures, stories, Scripture connections to justice, and themed creative outputs (art, writing, drama).
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Use of PSHE, RE, English, and History to promote understanding of different cultures and heritage.
Promoting Equality Through National Campaigns
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Anti-Bullying Week (November 2025):
Focus on “Power for Good,” kindness, and tackling discriminatory behaviour. Lessons explore the impact of racism, verbal and online abuse, and how pupils can respond safely and confidently.
Celebration of Identity & Belonging
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Children participate in activities that celebrate cultural heritage, shared values, and the richness of the school’s diverse community.
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Displays and assemblies highlight global saints, cultural festivals, and stories from different backgrounds.
Pupil Voice & Leadership
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Pupil groups such as the Peace & Justice Leaders, Caritas Ambassadors, and Chaplaincy Team lead actions linked to equality, fairness, and human dignity.
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Pupil-led assemblies reinforce messages of justice, compassion, inclusion, and respect for all.
Creating a Safe & Inclusive School Culture
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Clear systems and expectations for behaviour ensure that any discriminatory behaviour is addressed promptly and restoratively.
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Staff model inclusive language, challenge stereotypes, and embed Catholic Social Teaching principles—Human Dignity, Solidarity, and the Common Good—into everyday practice.